Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Certificates of Completion

• HVAC/R

The climate in New Mexico creates a demand for skilled technicians in both heating and cooling because people prefer to live and work in comfort. Every new home, hospital, university building, shopping mall, or office complex requires installation mechanics, service technicians, operating engineers, maintenance foremen, and trained crews to keep complex environmental systems operating efficiently.

The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry is one of the country’s most stable. The supply of qualified, trained people has not kept pace with the demand, and new opportunities are constantly developing. The demand for trained HVAC/R graduates is also increasing due to Environmental Protection Agency requirements that refrigerants be handled by a certified technician.

Technicians knowledgeable in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration are also needed in defense, space exploration, and manufacturing. Because climate control is important wherever microprocessors are used in manufacturing or scientific research, skilled technicians are in demand in these fields. Many experienced technicians own and manage their own businesses.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program at DACC uses training facilities equipped with the most modern test equipment and tools available. As a student, you will learn to—

• service, repair, and maintain heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems;
• read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and symbols to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in a system;
• evaluate, diagnose, and service various mechanical and electrical controls;
• apply the mathematics related to the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration trade;
• handle customer relations, shop management procedures, and record keeping relative to the trade;
• properly use special tools and testing equipment; and
• become certified in Section 608, EPA Certification.

Students will complete a one-credit Job Shadowing course during their first semester that will allow the student the opportunity to see firsthand the daily activities of a HVAC technician. A unique practicum training program is offered during the final semester to provide students with field experiences. Working side by side with journeymen technicians, students are offered an opportunity to practice and refine their new skills.

After the first semester, full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration students must purchase a personal set of technician’s tools (approximate cost, which may vary, $1300). The tool set includes the basic tools that most employers require on the job. Part-time students will purchase only those tools required by the specific course(s) in which they are enrolled. Students must also purchase an iPad at the approximate cost of $400 that will be used to access course materials and document completion of course competencies.

Students will also provide their own medical/accident insurance. They need to be in good physical condition and possess the ability and desire to work with their minds and hands.

The curriculum is competency and performance based and uses multimedia classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises. Classroom and laboratory hours are listed in the Schedule of Classes.

All heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration students are eligible to join SkillsUSA. Membership provides students an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and to become proficient in public speaking and parliamentary procedure. SkillsUSA also offers students a chance to demonstrate their occupational skills. Skill competitions are conducted each year in New Mexico for all post-secondary students.

Whether taking classes or working on a job site, students enrolled in this program will be required to perform the same job duties and be able to meet the same physical requirements that they will as a graduate in the field. Depending where they find employment, graduates may be required to

• work in inclement weather,
• lift up to 50 pounds from the ground,
• have good eye-hand coordination,
• work safely around electrical hazards using the appropriate safety equipment,
• work safely using hand and power tools,
• ascend and descend stairs and ladders, and
• stand, squat, stoop, or kneel for long periods of time.

Licensure for journeyman gas fitters, journeyman refrigeration workers, and journeyman sheet metal workers require both a written and practical exam. Not all licensing agencies provide special testing accommodations.

NOTE: Students must earn a final grade of C- or better in all required HVAC courses/Technical Requirements and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. A grade of C- or better is required in ENGL 1110G Composition I and designated Mathematics courses.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration - Associate of Applied Science

HVAC/R - Certificate of Completion

Residential HVAC - Certificate of Completion